Scheduling issues have dogged the cross-border tournament; plans for a move to June this year were hit when Linfield pulled out for the second year in a row and there were rumblings from other Northern Irish clubs about the dates which were to be tied in with TV broadcasts.

"We have been trying to find dates that can work for the broadcaster, the IFA clubs and the FAI clubs," said Milo Corcoran, the chair of the committee.

"Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions, it has not been possible to do so, even if I felt we were close to achieving agreement with all of the clubs required at one stage. Despite the setback, I believe this competition has a lot to offer. It is my hope that we will find a solution in 2016."